U.S. patent application number 11/529080 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-01 for candle and wick holder therefore.
Invention is credited to Mary Beth Adams, Paul E. Furner, Chris A. Kubicek.
Application Number | 20070026352 11/529080 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39049005 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070026352 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kubicek; Chris A. ; et
al. |
February 1, 2007 |
Candle and wick holder therefore
Abstract
The present invention relates to melting plate candles that
employ heat conductive materials to distribute heat from a burning
flame at a wick to a plate for melting a meltable fuel. Such
melting plate candles more rapidly liquefy the meltable fuel, such
as paraffin wax. Further, such melting plate candles more uniformly
and intensely heat the meltable fuel thereby increasing the
efficiency of consumption thereof and more rapidly releasing
volatile materials contained within the fuel. The heat conductive
plate is configured so as to have a capillary recess or a capillary
pedestal upon the surface thereof, which cooperatively engages a
wick holder assembly comprising a wick and a heat conductive fin
that conducts heat from a flame upon the wick to the plate. The
wick holder further engages the fuel and the plate so as to cause
the flow of liquefied fuel to the wick. The fuel may be provided in
various forms, configured to cooperatively engage the wick holder
and plate, and may comprise various volatile materials. The
capillary recess or pedestal, in conjunction with the wick holder,
causes rapid and complete flow of the liquefied fuel to the
wick.
Inventors: |
Kubicek; Chris A.; (East
Troy, WI) ; Furner; Paul E.; (Racine, WI) ;
Adams; Mary Beth; (Antioch, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
1525 HOWE STREET
RACINE
WI
53403-2236
US
|
Family ID: |
39049005 |
Appl. No.: |
11/529080 |
Filed: |
September 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10780028 |
Feb 17, 2004 |
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11529080 |
Sep 28, 2006 |
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09747545 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
6445764 |
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10780028 |
Feb 17, 2004 |
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10978744 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
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11529080 |
Sep 28, 2006 |
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10938434 |
Sep 10, 2004 |
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10978744 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
431/289 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F23D 3/16 20130101; F23D
3/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
431/289 |
International
Class: |
F23D 3/16 20060101
F23D003/16 |
Claims
1. A candle comprising: a. a plate having a first surface; b. a
wick holder assembly having a wick and a second surface that is
complementary to the first surface, wherein the wick has a top
region and a bottom region; c. fuel; and d. a capillary space
formed between the first surface and the second surface, wherein
the capillary space has an inlet side and an outlet side and the
outlet side is at an edge of the second surface; wherein the inlet
side of the capillary space is proximate to the fuel and the outlet
side of the capillary space is proximate to the bottom region of
the wick.
2. The candle of claim 1, wherein the fuel enters the wick via its
bottom region.
3. The candle of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a capillary
recess or a capillary pedestal, wherein the capillary recess or the
capillary pedestal includes at least part of the first surface.
4. The candle of claim 3, wherein the wick holder assembly includes
a capillary base that includes at least part of the second surface,
and the first surface and the second surface releasably lock
together.
5. The candle of claim 1, wherein the plate comprises a
heat-conducting material.
6. The candle of claim 5, wherein the plate further comprises an
insulating space disposed between the heat-conducting material and
a support base.
7. The candle of claim 1, wherein the wick holder assembly further
comprises a heat fin for transmitting heat.
8. The candle of claim 1, wherein the fuel is located adjacent the
wick holder assembly and the wick holder assembly further comprises
an aliquot of additional fuel proximate to the top region of the
wick.
9. The candle of claim 8, wherein at least some of the fuel enters
the inlet of the capillary space, is transported to the outlet
thereof, and contacts the bottom region of the wick.
10. The candle of claim 4, wherein the capillary base comprises an
upper reservoir and a bottom reservoir.
11. The candle of claim 10, wherein the bottom reservoir is a
cavity in the capillary base.
12. The candle of claim 11, wherein the bottom reservoir includes a
lower aperture that provides fluid communication between the
capillary recess and the bottom reservoir.
13. The candle of claim 11, wherein the bottom reservoir includes
an upper aperture through which the wick is disposed inside the
bottom reservoir.
14. The candle of claim 13, wherein the bottom reservoir also
includes a lower aperture that provides fluid communication between
the capillary recess and the bottom reservoir.
15. The candle of claim 1, wherein the plate and the wick holder
assembly each comprise a heat conductive material, wherein the
plate has a self-cleaning coating, and wherein the meltable fuel
charge comprises a volatile material.
16. The candle of claim 15, wherein the wick holder assembly is
ringed with one or more meltable fuel charges.
17. The candle of claim 15, wherein the volatile material comprises
at least one of the group consisting of a fragrance, an air
freshener, a deodorizer, an odor eliminator, an odor counteractant,
an insecticide, an insect repellant, a herbal extract, a medicinal
substance, a disinfectant, a sanitizer, a mood enhancer, and an
aroma therapy composition.
18. The candle of claim 4, wherein the capillary base has a concave
bottom that is substantially complementary to a capillary recess
and further includes a peg that inserts into the capillary recess,
thereby creating a capillary space, wherein the peg has a
longitudinal bore through its interior that places the upper
reservoir in fluid communication with the bottom of the capillary
recess.
19. A wick holder assembly for a candle on a plate that includes a
capillary recess or a capillary pedestal, comprising: (a) a
capillary base having a top surface and a bottom surface; (b) a
tube extending upward from the top surface of the capillary base;
(c) a bottom reservoir defined within the capillary base for
holding fuel; (d) a wick disposed through the tube in fluid
communication with the top surface of the capillary base; (e) an
aperture through the bottom surface; wherein the fuel included in
the bottom reservoir travels via the aperture to a capillary space
formed between the capillary base and the capillary recess or
pedestal through which the fuel can flow to the top surface of the
capillary base.
20. A candle comprising: a. a plate having a first surface, wherein
the plate comprises a heat-conducting material and an insulating
base portion; b. a wick holder assembly having a wick and a
capillary base that includes at least part of a second surface that
is complementary to the first surface, wherein the wick has a top
region and a bottom region and the capillary base is configured to
include a bottom reservoir and a top reservoir; c. meltable fuel;
and d. a capillary space formed between the first surface and the
second surface, wherein the capillary space has an inlet side and
an outlet side and the outlet side is at an edge of the second
surface; wherein the inlet side of the capillary space is proximate
to the meltable fuel and the outlet side of the capillary space is
proximate to the top reservoir, and the bottom region of the wick
contacts the top reservoir.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/780,028, filed Feb. 17, 2004, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
09/747,545, filed Dec. 20, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,707. This
application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/978,744, filed Nov. 1, 2004, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/938,434, filed Sep. 10, 2004. Each of these patent applications
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of candle
illumination. In particular, the present invention relates to a
melting plate candle that includes a melting plate designed to
efficiently burn fuel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Wax candles come in many varieties, such as tapers, pillar
candles, container candles, and votive candles. Usually, such
candles leave an amount of unconsumed wax at the end of the useful
life thereof.
[0004] Some have attempted to minimize the amount of wax fuel left
unused at the end of the candle's life. For example, one votive
candle has a cup with a conically tapered bottom wall draining
toward a central recess that causes melted wax to flow toward a
central wick to provide complete consumption thereof. A cylindrical
tube with apertures through the side wall extends upwardly from the
recess and surrounds and supports the wick until the wax has been
completely consumed. In another example, a wax burner in a
flat-bottomed container includes a wick disposed in a hollow metal
vertical tube with upper and lower radial heat fins. Holes through
the tube side wall allow complete consumption of wax in the
container.
[0005] In container candles, however, it was observed that sudden
flare-ups, or "flash-over," sometimes occurred when the wax level
became very low. Some have tried to prevent flash-over by causing
the container candle to self-extinguish before all the wax has been
consumed. For example, one container candle includes an anti-flash
sustainer having an upwardly extending neck that holds a wick and a
flat or concave base. The lower end of the neck is sealed so that
the flame will automatically extinguish after the melted wax drops
below the top of the neck. The sustainer may be mounted upon an
upwardly extending pedestal on the container floor to further
increase the amount of unconsumed fuel in the bottom of the
container. In another container candle, a conventional wick holder
is located within a raised disk-shaped locating recess in the
bottom wall of the container. A raised peripheral lip around the
locating recess prevents wax from flowing to the wick after the wax
has dropped below the level of the lip, thereby leaving unconsumed
fuel in the bottom of the container surrounding the raised locating
recess. Unfortunately, such designs directed at minimizing
flashover events sacrifice efficient fuel consumption by leaving
the unconsumed wax at the end of the candle's life.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one embodiment, the candle includes (a) a plate having a
first surface; (b) a wick holder assembly having a wick and a
second surface that is complementary to the first surface, wherein
the wick has a top region and a bottom region; (c) fuel; and (d) a
capillary space formed between the first surface and the second
surface, wherein the capillary space has an inlet side and an
outlet side and the outlet side is at an edge of the second
surface; wherein the inlet side of the capillary space is proximate
to the fuel and the outlet side of the capillary space is proximate
to the bottom region of the wick.
[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a
wick holder assembly for a candle on a plate that includes a
capillary recess or a capillary pedestal, including: (a) a
capillary base having a top surface and a bottom surface; (b) a
tube extending upward from the top surface of the capillary base;
(c) a bottom reservoir defined within the capillary base for
holding fuel; (d) a wick disposed through the tube in fluid
communication with the top surface of the capillary base; (e) an
aperture through the bottom surface; wherein the fuel included in
the bottom reservoir travels via the aperture to a capillary space
formed between the capillary base and the capillary recess or
pedestal through which the fuel can flow to the top surface of the
capillary base.
[0008] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the
candle includes: (a) a plate having a first surface, wherein the
plate comprises a heat-conducting material and an insulating base
portion; (b) a wick holder assembly having a wick and a capillary
base that includes at least part of a second surface that is
complementary to the first surface, wherein the wick has a top
region and a bottom region and the capillary base is configured to
include a bottom reservoir and a top reservoir; (c) meltable fuel;
and (d) a capillary space formed between the first surface and the
second surface, wherein the capillary space has an inlet side and
an outlet side and the outlet side is at an edge of the second
surface; wherein the inlet side of the capillary space is proximate
to the meltable fuel and the outlet side of the capillary space is
proximate to the top reservoir, and the bottom region of the wick
contacts the top reservoir.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a melting plate
candle;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the melting plate candle
of FIG. 1 in an assembled condition;
[0011] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a melting plate
candle according to another embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the melting plate candle of
FIG. 3 in an assembled position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a melting plate candle
having a capillary depression according to another embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fuel element shown in
FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a wick holder assembly for a
melting plate candle having a capillary depression according to yet
another embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a melting plate candle
having a capillary depression and a wick holder assembly according
to a further embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a melting plate having a
capillary depression and a wick holder assembly according to an
even further embodiment;
[0018] FIGS. 10A-10D are cross-sectional views of melting plates
having capillary depressions of different configurations;
[0019] FIGS. 11A-11H are plan views of capillary depressions of
different configurations;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a melting plate with a
capillary depression according to another embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a melting plate with a
capillary depression according to a further embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along lines 14-14; and
[0023] FIGS. 15A and 15B are inverted and right-side up views,
respectively, of an alternative embodiment wherein the capillary
base forms a mushroom shape.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In one embodiment of a melting plate candle of the present
disclosure, a charge of meltable fuel melts in the vicinity of a
flame disposed on a wick and forms a pool on the melting plate. The
end of the wick may be held at a relatively constant height, so the
flame does not move significantly downward from its initial
position. As a result, a consistent flame may be maintained by the
melting plate candle at a substantially defined, invariant position
relative to structural features of the melting plate candle.
[0025] Meltable fuels contemplated include fuels such as paraffin,
beeswax, montan wax, carnauba wax, microcrystalline wax, polyvinyl
acetate, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty esters, and gels
incorporating such fuels. The charges of the meltable fuel may be
shaped into forms such as pucks, donuts, chips, slivers, balls,
pellets, shavings, particulates, cubes, discs, three dimensional
shapes, and wafers, or in any other shape suitable to its function
as candle fuel. The fuel used in the context of the present
invention may also include volatile or substantially volatile
materials such as, without limitation, fragrances, air fresheners,
deodorizers, odor eliminators, odor counteractants, insecticides,
insect repellants, miticides, herbals, medicinal substances,
disinfectants, sanitizers, mood enhancers, aroma therapy
compositions, and the like. The charges of the meltable fuel may be
colored for the purpose of decoration and/or identification. The
shape of the charge of meltable fuel may be designed to fit any
given configuration of melting plate and/or wick holder assembly,
including without limitation intended, those disclosed herein. For
example, the sides of a charge may be shaped complementarily in
order to fit the interface between the melting plate and the wick
holder assembly using one or more pieces thereof. Preferably, the
charge of meltable fuel is a single piece that is molded or cut to
fit at or near the wick holder assembly. As a general rule, the
fuel used preferably has a melting temperature above ambient, but
below the temperature of the fuel's combustion such as that of the
flame itself.
[0026] In one embodiment, the melting plate candle includes a
melting plate that may support one or more charges of a meltable
solid and/or gel fuel and a wick holder assembly with a wick holder
that is in contact with a wick. Alternatively, or in addition, the
melting plate may be filled with a liquid fuel. The wick holder
assembly may further have heat transfer elements, such as heat
fins, to improve heat transfer from a flame on the wick to both the
meltable fuel and the melting plate with which the fuel is in
contact, thereby heating the fuel over a relatively large surface.
This, in turn, provides for more rapid melting of the meltable fuel
and a more uniformly heated pool of melted fuel, which further
provides efficient evaporation of the volatile materials that may
be present in the fuel as well as an improved rate of fuel
consumption.
[0027] The melting plate and/or wick holder assembly preferably
includes a heat-conductive material, such as, for example, a metal,
although any material is contemplated for use. Preferably, the heat
conductive material is substantially nonflammable. In one
embodiment, the melting plate is made of polished aluminum due to
its relatively high heat conductivity, low combustibility, light
weight, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Further, the melting
plate may include a non-heat conductive body with a heat conductive
laminate applied thereto. Preferred heat conductive laminates
include, without limitation, a thin layer of metal, such as foil
prepared from any meltable metal, including, for example,
aluminum.
[0028] The melting plate and wick holder assembly therefore provide
improved heat transfer from the flame on the wick to the meltable
fuel. The melting plate may also be shaped so as to direct the
melted or liquefied fuel to a point where fluid communication is
established with the wick, such as, a capillary lobe, channel,
surface, or a depression of the wick holder assembly or with which
the wick holder assembly is in contact. In one embodiment, the
melting plate is bowl shaped, but may be any other functionally
appropriate shape including, for example, a funnel, a plate with an
inclined inner surface, a plate with fluid channels therein, a
plate with capillary grooves, and the like, having one or more
points where a liquid can pool. The melting plate may also be
shaped to control the shape and depth of the pool of fuel, which is
burned at the flame that is disposed at the wick.
[0029] In another embodiment, the candle includes preferably a
plate, also called a melting plate or a heat-conductive plate
herein, having a first surface that is at least a part of a
capillary recess or a capillary pedestal included on the top of the
plate. The first surface is fashioned particularly with respect to
a second surface that is included in a wick holder assembly. The
wick holder assembly is in contact with the plate and preferably
includes a wick holder having a wick that is supported by a
capillary base. The capillary base preferably includes at least a
part of the second surface by which it is in contact with the
plate, an internal bottom reservoir, and an external upper
reservoir. The wick itself has a top region and a bottom region.
The candle also includes a preferably meltable fuel that is
situated within or adjacent to the wick holder assembly; more
preferably the meltable fuel is located in the bottom reservoir of
the capillary base. A capillary space is preferably formed between
the first surface and the second surface, wherein the capillary
space has an inlet side and an outlet side and the outlet side is
preferably at an edge of the second surface. The inlet side of the
capillary space is preferably proximate to the fuel and the outlet
side of the capillary space is preferably proximate to the bottom
region of the wick. Accordingly, the wick is in fluid communication
with the fuel of the bottom reservoir that, upon melting, enters
the inlet of the capillary space, exits the outlet thereof onto the
upper reservoir, and from there preferably enters the bottom region
of the wick. The plate itself optionally includes a retaining ridge
that preferably serves to course the melted fuel toward the inlet
side of the capillary space, or to retard the flow of the melted
fuel away therefrom.
[0030] The capillary base preferably fits into a corresponding
structure on the plate. In the case where the capillary base has a
convex bottom, the plate preferably includes a capillary recess
into which the capillary base fits. Alternatively, in the case
where the capillary base has a concave or scooped in bottom, the
plate preferably includes a capillary pedestal onto which the
capillary base fits. Either way, the first surface included on the
plate at and/or in the capillary recess or capillary pedestal is
complementary to the second surface included on the capillary
base.
[0031] Preferably, the first surface and the second surface
releasably lock together. In this embodiment, each of the first and
second surfaces includes interlocking features therefor. For
example, in a preferred embodiment, the first surface includes a
first snap-on detent member that engages a second snap-on detent
member included on the second surface. In another preferred
embodiment, the first and second surfaces have complementary spiral
protrusions such that the second surface screws into or onto the
first surface, as appropriate.
[0032] The plate preferably includes an insulating space disposed
between the heat-conducting material and a support base. The
insulating space can be a void or it can include heat-insulating
material, such as, without limitation, ceramic, styrofoam,
cellulose, and the like. By this inclusion of insulating space, the
melting plate can more readily be transported and placed on any
surface without concern that the heat of the candle will mar the
surface.
[0033] The wick holder assembly preferably includes a tube
extending from a capillary base. The tube serves to hold a wick in
place such that a top region of the wick extends up from the tube
and the bottom region of the wick extends down toward the upper
surface of the capillary base. The upper surface of the capillary
base preferably has a flat or concave surface so that melted or
otherwise liquefied fuel that is deposited there is able to flow
into the bottom region of the wick. The fuel is thus able to flow
to the top of the wick and supply a flame disposed at the top
region of the wick when the wick is ignited. This upper surface of
the capillary base is also referred to herein as the upper
reservoir, which is consonant with the function it serves in
preferably being in contact with the bottom region of the wick and
so providing the wick with liquefied fuel. As further noted
elsewhere, the capillary base can have a convex or a concave bottom
surface, or combination thereof, depending on whether the capillary
base is intended to fit (a) into a capillary recess (appropriate,
then, for a convex bottom surface) or (b) onto a capillary pedestal
(appropriate, then, for a concave bottom surface) or (c) into a
capillary recess where the capillary base includes a top structure
that extends laterally beyond the horizontal dimensions of the
capillary recess. With respect to scenario (c), the contents stored
within the cavity defined by the top structure (the bottom
reservoir, that is) would first come into direct contact with the
top surface of the plate outside of the capillary recess prior to
entry into the inlet of the capillary space formed between the
capillary base and the capillary recess. In contrast, scenario (a)
would require that the contents of the bottom reservoir would
contact the bottom of the capillary recess where the capillary
space inlet would be found, and thus travel by capillary action to
the upper reservoir via a wall of the capillary recess that extends
up from the top surface of the plate. Accordingly, the liquefied
fuel is thereby delivered to the upper reservoir where it then
comes into contact with the bottom region of the wick.
[0034] The wick holder assembly preferably further includes a
bottom reservoir for holding fuel. The bottom reservoir is defined
by a cavity within the capillary base, which can have a convex
bottom or a concave bottom. Alternatively, the bottom reservoir is
an open concavity below the upper surface of the capillary base,
which is further described below.
[0035] The open concavity preferably has a peg extending centrally
that connects at the upper underside of the capillary base. More
preferably, the peg includes a central longitudinal bore that opens
at its bottom that is seated in the capillary recess and extends up
to the top surface of the capillary base that defines the upper
reservoir. Fuel stored within the open concavity, upon melting or
otherwise liquefying, will first come into contact with the top
surface of the plate, enter the inlet of the capillary surface and
head down to the outlet thereof at the edge of the peg. From that
point, the liquid fuel heads up the bore of the peg by capillary
action and is then deposited on or at the upper reservoir located
on the top surface of the capillary base.
[0036] The capillary base having a convex bottom includes
preferably an internal void that further includes, optionally, a
first aperture toward or at its bottom and/or a second aperture
toward or at its top. The first aperture serves, for example, to
place the contents of the bottom reservoir in fluid communication
with the bottom of the capillary recess when the capillary base is
seated therein. The second aperture serves, for example, to provide
a direct path for the wick to extend therethrough and be in fluid
communication with the contents of the bottom reservoir. Where only
the first aperture is in place in this embodiment, liquid fuel will
first contact the bottom of the capillary recess, there enter the
inlet of the capillary space and travel up to the outlet thereof,
which is located at the edge of the top surface, i.e., the upper
reservoir, of the capillary. Accordingly, for this embodiment, the
capillary recess includes a wall that extends up from the top
surface of the plate in order to define an outlet of the capillary
space formed between the capillary base and the capillary recess.
The outlet so defined is situated such that the liquid fuel
collects on or at the upper reservoir, i.e., the upper surface of
the capillary base.
[0037] Where the capillary base having a convex bottom includes the
second aperture and not the first aperture, then the fuel will
travel to the upper region of the wick by way of the lower region
of the wick directly from the bottom reservoir. Any fuel in the
bottom reservoir that is below the level of the bottom of the wick
will not be used. If, however, the first aperture is also included,
then liquid fuel in the bottom reservoir has two paths to the upper
region of the wick: first, via direct entry into the wick where it
extends into the bottom reservoir; and second, via indirect entry
into the wick, as set forth in the immediately preceding
paragraph.
[0038] The capillary base having a concave bottom is preferably
designed to seat onto a capillary pedestal. The capillary base of
this embodiment preferably includes at least one aperture at the
bottom of the capillary base, thus placing the bottom reservoir in
fluid communication with the top and/or side of the capillary
pedestal, or the top surface of the plate immediately adjacent to
the capillary pedestal, or any two or all of the recited locations.
Surrounding the capillary pedestal is preferably a wall that arises
up from the top surface of the plate. The wall has a shape and
dimension such that its inner surface forms part of the
aforementioned first surface of the plate, and is situated so that
the first surface is disposed relative to the second surface
included on the capillary base to form the capillary space. The
inlet of the capillary space is located at the bottom edge of the
concave bottom of the capillary base where that portion of the
second surface included on the capillary base forms a capillary
space with the first surface included on the plate and wall
thereof. From that point, the liquid fuel travels up toward the
upper surface of the capillary base in similar fashion as described
above with respect to the indirect entry of the liquid fuel in the
capillary base having a convex bottom, as set forth above.
[0039] The wick holder assembly of the present invention preferably
also includes a snap fit detent on the bottom surface of the
capillary base. Preferably, the wick holder assembly further
includes a heat fin. The heat fin transmits heat from a flame
disposed on the top portion of the wick to, preferably, the plate,
or, more preferably, fuel stored in the bottom reservoir, or, yet
more preferably, to a charge of fuel that is located in the
vicinity of the wick holder assembly. The heat fin preferably has a
single surface; more preferably, the heat fin has multiple
surfaces, such as, for example, two surfaces, three surfaces, four
surfaces, or more. Most preferably, the heat fin includes two
surfaces. The surface or surfaces of the heat fin preferably faces
the upper or top region of the wick.
[0040] The wick holder assembly preferably further comprises an
aliquot of additional fuel that is proximate to the top region of
the wick. Upon igniting the top region of the wick, the first fuel
to become available is the aliquot of additional fuel, which is
also referred to commonly as a "bump". The bump preferably provides
sufficient fuel so that a sufficient amount of heat is generated
and transmitted to the meltable fuel of the bottom reservoir and/or
the meltable fuel adjacent to the wick holder assembly such that a
sufficient amount of the meltable fuel melts, arrives at the upper
reservoir, and contacts the bottom region of the wick in time to
provide fuel to the flame before the bump fuel is exhausted. The
aliquot of additional fuel can be a meltable solid or a gel or a
liquid prior to igniting the wick; preferably, the additional fuel
is a meltable solid.
[0041] Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one
form of a broad concept of a melting plate candle 1. In this
general form, a heat conductive melting plate 18 conducts heat from
a flame (not shown) located on a wick 3 to a meltable fuel charge 4
resting upon the surface of the melting plate. Further, the wick 3
has a relatively large diameter compared to a more typical fibrous
wick that commonly has a smaller diameter. The wick 3 is disposed
in close proximity to the meltable fuel charge 4 but not in direct
contact with the unmelted fuel. Preferably the wick is held by a
wick holder assembly or clip (not shown). The melting plate 18 is
heated directly or indirectly by the flame on the wick 3 by
radiation, as a result of the exposure of the inner surface 8 of
the melting plate to the heat from the flame. The bowl-shaped
melting plate 18 has a raised outer shoulder 2 to provide
containment for a pool of fuel (not shown) melted by the flame on
the wick 3. In other embodiments, the melting plate 18 may have the
shape of a tray, a concave plate, or any other configuration that
is capable of holding the pool of fuel, and may be shaped so as to
funnel and/or channel the liquefied fuel to the wick 3. Further,
the melting plate 18 need not be limited to plate structures per
se, but may include other non-plate shapes that can perform the
same functions described herein. The melting plate 18 may
constitute a container in itself, as presented herein, or may be
combined with a separate container (not shown).
[0042] The melting plate 18 rests upon a preferably non-conductive
base 11, but alternatively may use legs (not shown) of
non-conductive and/or insulating material. The purpose of the
non-conductive material is to insulate a surface 16 from heat from
the melting plate, such as, for example, a table or other
heat-sensitive surface upon which the melting plate candle 1 may be
placed. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the base 11 has
contact points 12 to minimize contact between the base and the
melting plate 18 and to create an insulating gap 13 between the
melting plate and any surface upon which the melting plate may be
placed. The non-conductive base 11 may be constructed of any
non-conductive material including, for example, wood, plastic, a
non-conductive metal, a polymer, glass, and other materials known
to those skilled in the art.
[0043] The melting plate 18, or any embodiment thereof, is
preferably made from any suitable material, the suitability of
which is a function of being substantially heat conductive yet also
being substantially nonflammable. More preferably, the suitable
material is nonflammable. Representative suitable heat conductive
materials include, without limitation, brass, aluminum, steel,
copper, stainless steel, silver, tin, bronze, zinc, iron, clad
materials, heat conductive polymers, ceramics, glass, and/or any
other suitable heat conductive material, and combinations thereof.
Further, the melting plate preferably includes a coating of a
surface tension-modifying material applied thereto for purposes of
preparing a self-cleaning and/or easily cleaned melting plate, as
well as to facilitate flow of melted fuel to, for example, a
capillary depression, channel, or other surface in contact with the
wick. As an example of a suitable surface-tension-modifying
material, a polytetrafluoroethylene coating may be applied to the
melting plate surface to provide a coating that has a smooth
wetting surface upon which molten wax will generally flow more
easily as compared to an uncoated surface. Further, the coated
surface facilitates removal of residual wax from the melting
plate.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the meltable fuel charge 4 is in direct
contact with the surface of the melting plate 18 to facilitate
melting of the fuel charge via heat transfer. In another
embodiment, the melting plate 18 is preferably constructed with a
non-conductive lower surface to insulate a surface 16 from heat
from the flame. In this embodiment, the melting plate 18 may be
partially or wholly constructed of a clad material, wherein the top
surface of the plate includes a metallic clad material that is
bonded to another material. Preferably, the material to which the
clad material is bound is non-conductive and provides protection to
a heat-sensitive surface on which the melting plate may be placed.
Preferred combinations of materials for the melting plate include a
conductive material coated on the external surface of an otherwise
non-conductive material, a non-conductive material having an insert
of a heat conductive material, or other suitable configurations to
permit the melting plate to be easily handled, and/or placed on
heat-sensitive surfaces.
[0045] A wick 3 contemplated for use in the context of the present
invention is preferably a conventional consumable wicking material,
such as, without limitation, cotton, cellulose, nylon, paper, or
the like. By capillary action, liquid fuel transfers through the
wick to the flame disposed thereon. Alternative preferred wicks 3
are substantially non-consumable, such as those composed of porous
ceramics and/or pourous metals, fiber glass, metal fiber,
compressed sand, glass, metal, and/or ceramic microspheres, foamed
and/or porous glass, and/or natural and/or man-made materials, such
as pumice, perlite, gypsum, chalk, and the like. Further, composite
wicks that include consumable and non-consumable wicking materials
are usefully employed in the context of the present invention.
[0046] The wick 3 may be situated at any location on or near the
melting plate, provided that at least some of the heat of a flame
disposed on the wick is transferable to the stored fuel charge 4.
The stored fuel charge is preferably located in contact with the
melting plate; alternatively, the fuel charge can be included in a
wick holder assembly (described further below), which, in one
embodiment, is configured so that the heat of the flame is
transferred thereto and the melted fuel optionally contacts the
plate. The heat contained in the plate preferably serves to melt
the meltable fuel and/or maintain the liquid quality of the fuel
once melted until the melted fuel is transported to the flame and
consumed. The heat transference is accomplished via radiation,
convection, and/or conduction of the heat energy from the flame to
the wick holder assembly and the plate. Accordingly, the wick 3 may
be centrally located in the melting plate 2 or located off-center.
A plurality of wicks 3 is also envisioned in another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, a starter bump 6 on the meltable
fuel charge 4 is preferably provided in close proximity to the wick
3 to facilitate the lighting of the wick. The starter bump serves
to provide a ready source of liquid fuel to the wick 3 when a match
or other appropriate source of flame is employed to ignite the
wick, which source of flame will melt the starter bump and thus
create an initial pool of liquid fuel. In this embodiment, the
starter bump 6 may be molded directly into the shape of the
meltable fuel charge 4; alternatively, the starter bump 6 may be
added after molding of the meltable fuel charge. The starter bump
is also referred to herein as an aliquot of additional fuel, which,
in another embodiment, serves to provide sufficient heat to melt a
sufficient amount of the meltable fuel over a sufficient period of
time such that the flow of melted fuel preferably reaches the flame
before the additional fuel of the bump is fully consumed.
[0048] In another embodiment of a melting plate candle 20 shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4, the wick 3 is provided in conjunction with a wick
holder assembly 21 that, preferably, cooperatively engages a
complementarily shaped capillary lobe or pedestal 26 on the melting
plate 18. The melting plate 18 is preferably bowl-shaped with a
raised shoulder 2 to contain a pool of melted wax or other fuel
(not shown) and a centrally disposed capillary pedestal 26. The
wick holder assembly 21 is preferably shaped to fit closely over
the capillary pedestal 26 and to releasably engage an undercut 24
therein so as to be releasably secured thereon. The undercut 24 is
intended to secure the wick holder assembly 21 to the melting plate
18 to minimize the possibility of the wick holder assembly being
accidentally unseated from the capillary pedestal 26.
[0049] The wick holder assembly 21 preferably includes a wick
holder 5, the wick 3, and a heat fin 9. The heat fin 9 facilitates
heat transfer from the flame on the wick to a meltable fuel charge
4. The meltable fuel charge 4 preferably has a cutout portion 30
through which the wick holder assembly 7 may pass. Alternatively,
the meltable fuel charge 4 is preferably placed adjacent the wick
holder assembly 21 on one side thereof (not shown). In yet another
alternative, the meltable fuel charge 4 is preferably provided in
multiple pieces of meltable fuel that can be placed about the wick
holder assembly 21. More preferably, the multiple pieces of the
meltable fuel are appropriately shaped (not shown) to both fit
together when placed about the wick holder assembly 21. Any
configuration of the meltable fuel charge 4 is suitable so long as
it places the wick 3 and the heat fin 9 each in close proximity to
a top surface of the meltable fuel charge, and/or includes
conductive material for transferring the flame's heat to the fuel
charge; or otherwise facilitates heat transfer to the meltable fuel
charge, irrespective of the number of pieces of which the fuel
charge is composed. Here, the meltable fuel charge 4 is shown as a
wax puck having a void slot at its center; other shapes and sizes
are contemplated as described herein.
[0050] FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of FIG. 3 in one preferred
operational configuration showing the relationship of the elements
in position for lighting of the wick 3. The melting plate 2 is
shown with the wick holder assembly 7 positioned on the capillary
pedestal 22 (not visible). Further, the meltable fuel charge 4 is
disposed around the wick holder assembly 7, with the heat fin 9 and
the wick 3 extending through the cutout portion 30 of the meltable
fuel charge. The wick holder assembly 21 may be secured in the
cutout portion 30 with a small amount of wax backfill after
assembly.
[0051] Operationally, the melted wax flows to the bottom surface of
the heat-conductive melting plate, where it ultimately enters the
inlet (not shown, but is co-extensive with the undercut 24) to the
capillary space (also not shown) that is formed between the concave
underside of the wick holder assembly 21 (i.e., the underside of
the capillary base 7) and the upper surfaces 22, 23 of the
capillary pedestal 26 upon seating the wick holder assembly 21
thereon. The melted wax then travels via capillary action to the
angled upper surface 22 and then to the upper, substantially
horizontal surface 23 of the capillary pedestal. The wick 3 has an
upper region (visible in the drawing of the wick holder assembly
21) and a lower region (obscured by the tube 5 that is disposed
between the heat fins 9a, 9b and upon the top surface of the
capillary base 7. The lower region of the wick 3 preferably
contacts the substantially horizontal surface 23 of the capillary
pedestal 26. Accordingly, the melted fuel of the fuel charge enters
the wick 3 via its lower region, and is then consumed by the flame
(not shown) disposed at the upper region of the wick 3.
[0052] In a further embodiment of a melting plate candle 100 and a
wick holder assembly 102 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wick holder
assembly has a convex capillary base 36 that is disposed within a
centrally located capillary depression, such as a capillary recess
106 in the heat conductive melting plate 18. In one embodiment, the
convex capillary base 36 has a sloped bottom wall, such as a
conical wall, having a bottom surface that forms an inverted peak
that fits into the capillary recess 106 and a top surface that
forms a depression. One or more snap-fit detents, such as ribs 110,
may be disposed on the surface of the melting plate 18. In a
preferred embodiment, the ribs 110 are disposed in or around an
edge of the capillary recess 106 to secure the wick holder assembly
102 to the melting plate by hooking or snapping onto an end portion
112 of the capillary base 36. The melting plate 18 is preferably
disposed within a non-heat conductive, or insulating, support body
108 for placement on a surface (not shown). A preferred form of
this embodiment includes a sealing interface 38 between the melting
plate 18 and the support body 108, such as adhesive and/or a tongue
and groove fit, thereby preventing fluid flow therebetween. An
insulating space 120 between the melting plate 18 and the support
body 108 helps to protect the supporting surface (not shown) from
excess heat when a flame 122 is disposed on the wick 3. The
insulating space 120 also reduces heat loss from the melting plate
to the support body and supporting surface. A meltable fuel charge
104 is preferably adjacent or included within the capillary base
36, such that the wick 3 and the heat fin 9 transfer heat thereto.
The wick 3 is held within a wick holder 5; the wick 3 and the heat
fin 9 both extend from the convex capillary base 36 upon, within,
or adjacent to which the meltable fuel charge 104 resides. The
meltable fuel charge 104 may be integrally molded around the wick
3, the wick holder 5, and the heat fin 9 on top of the convex
capillary base 36 so as to make an integral unit, or the meltable
fuel charge may be integrated with the wick holder assembly 102,
for example included in a cavity included in the capillary base 36.
Alternatively, the meltable fuel charge can be constructed as
described above with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4; i.e., a single piece
with a void slot disposed within it or extending from one side, or
multiple pieces that fit on the melting plate 18 at and about the
wick holder assembly 102. Further, one or more apertures 42 may be
provided through the side of the support body 108 into the
insulating space 120 to provide ventilation and to help regulate
the temperature therein.
[0053] A bottom portion of the wick 3 preferably rests on a top
surface of the convex capillary base 36 or may protrude through an
aperture 136 in the convex capillary base to allow fluid
communication with a bottom surface thereof. When the wick holder
assembly 102 is placed within the capillary recess 106 of the
melting plate candle 100, a capillary space 32 is formed between
the bottom surface of the convex capillary base 36 and the top
surface of the capillary recess 106 through which liquid fuel (not
shown) may be drawn by capillary action from the melting plate 18
to the bottom portion of the wick 3 to effectively consume
substantially all of the liquid fuel. Alternatively, or in
addition, an aperture 52 in the side of the wick holder 5 may be
disposed adjacent the top surface of the convex capillary base 36
to allow liquid fuel in the depression on the top surface of the
convex capillary base to supply the wick 3.
[0054] FIG. 7 depicts a further embodiment of a wick holder
assembly 200 adapted for use with a melting plate candle 600 having
a capillary recess 602, as depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9. A wick holder
5, which holds a wick 3 and, preferably, a heat fin 9, is disposed
atop a hollow convex capillary base 60. An aperture 62 in the top
of the hollow convex capillary base 60 allows liquid fuel, such as
oil or melted wax, to fill an internal fuel reservoir 74 (also
called herein a lower reservoir) inside the hollow convex capillary
base 60. The internal fuel reservoir 74 of the wick holder assembly
200 may be initially filled with a second meltable fuel charge (not
shown). A bottom portion 14 of the wick 3 may protrude through an
aperture (not shown) in a bottom surface of the wick holder 5
and/or a top surface of the hollow convex capillary base 60 into
the internal fuel reservoir 74 to place the wick in fluid
communication with the internal fuel reservoir.
[0055] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a melting plate candle
600 having a wick holder assembly 302 (similar to that of FIG. 7)
and a melting plate 18. The wick holder assembly 302 is preferably
disposed within a capillary recess 602 of the melting plate 18.
Prior to use, the underside of the convex capillary base 60
preferably contains meltable, but unmelted fuel. Upon use, i.e.,
upon igniting the wick 3, heat is transferred to the meltable fuel
in the internal fuel reservoir 74 via, in part, the heat fins 9, of
which there is one or more (two shown in FIG. 8), thus melting the
fuel. Melted fuel flows by gravity through one or more apertures 72
(one shown) that is/are located at or toward the lowest point in
the convex capillary base 60. Liquified fuel then moves upward via
capillary action through the capillary space 40 that exists between
the surfaces of the capillary recess 602 and the convex capillary
base 60. The wick holder 5 is preferably attached to the heat fin 9
and is disposed above a top surface 76 of the hollow convex
capillary base 60 such that a bottom portion of the wick 3
extending out of the bottom end of the wick holder 5 is disposed at
the top surface 76 of the convex capillary base 60 where the wick
is in fluid communication with the liquified fuel that emerges from
the capillary space 40 as point A. Accordingly, a steady supply of
fuel is maintained to the wick 3 by being drawn by capillary forces
out of the lower reservoir 74, up through the capillary space 40 in
a direction A, and over the top surface 76 of the convex capillary
base 60 to the bottom portion of the wick 3 until all of the fuel
in the reservoir and capillary recess is consumed. The top surface
76 of the convex capillary base 60 is also referred to herein as
the upper reservoir, which is preferably flat or concave in
shape.
[0056] FIG. 9 shows a variation of the wick holder assembly 302 of
FIG. 8 (referred to as wick holder assembly 200 in FIG. 9), except
that the bottom portion 14 of the wick 3 passes through an aperture
(not shown) in the top surface 76 of the convex capillary base 60
into the internal fuel reservoir 74. In this example, liquid fuel
reaches the wick 3 via the capillary space 40 as well as via the
bottom portion 14 of the wick 3, which preferably contacts the
lowest level of fuel in the reservoir 74. Protrusions, such as ribs
28 within or at the upper edge of the capillary recess 602, are
preferably used to secure the wick holder assembly 200 by
interacting with one or more raised protrusions 78 on the convex
capillary base 60. In one embodiment, the ribs 28 may have a
snap-fit with the protrusions 78, and in another embodiment, the
ribs 28 may form a spiral pattern on the surface of the capillary
recess 602, such that the protrusions 78 may be screwed into
threads (not shown) formed between the ribs to secure the convex
capillary base 60 within the capillary recess 602. Other preferred
designs for securing the wick holder assembly 200 to the plate 18
include any lock and key mechanism, as long as continuity of the
capillary space 40 is maintained so that the fuel flow is
maintained.
[0057] Although a recessed shape is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9
for the place where the wick holder assembly 102, 200 and 302 is
seated, the bottom of the wick holder assembly and the upper
surface of the melting plate 18 where the wick holder assembly is
seated may each have any shape that is at least partially
complementary to one another. A pair of shapes is sufficient if the
plate-base structure 106, 602 in the melting plate 78 allows proper
fit with the wick holder assembly 102, 200, or 302 to form one or
more capillary spaces 40 that allows adequate fuel supply to the
wick 3 to feed a flame disposed thereon. In some embodiments,
instead of a recessed plate-based structure 106, 602 as in FIG. 5
or 8, a protruding plate-based structure 22 (also referred to
herein as a capillary pedestal) can be used as in FIGS. 3 and
4.
[0058] In other embodiments (not shown), when the capillary recess
includes a complex pattern or shape, one portion of the shape may
be configured for placement of the wick holder assembly, for
example, at the head of an animal-shaped depression or at a
predetermined point in some other feature to provide an artistic
and/or aesthetically pleasing effect. In this way, the placement of
one or more wick holder assemblies may form part of a design
incorporating the melting plate surface and/or one or more
capillary recesses. The capillary recess and capillary base may
also be shaped to have only one operative fit to facilitate proper
insertion of the capillary base into the capillary recess.
[0059] As shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, melting plates 400, 402, 404, and
406 have capillary recesses 408, 410, 412, and 414, respectively,
which may vary by size, depth, and/or surface feature, such as, for
example, a flat bottom, a terraced bottom, a dimpled surface,
and/or a ribbed surface. Capillary recesses contemplated herein may
also vary by peripheral shape, profile, number, and how they
interface with the wick holder assembly. For example, a capillary
recess when viewed from above may have other shapes (not shown),
such as a character or symbol, as in a logo, a letter, and/or a
number, for example. Further, complex designs may be utilized such
as animal outlines, three dimensional shapes, and/or any other
artistic features. For example, FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate different
capillary recesses 408, 410, 412, and 414 that vary by depth
(measured from a bottom surface 80 of the capillary recess to an
upper most portion of the capillary recess wall 82), width
(measured from the upper most portion of the capillary recess wall
84 on one side of the capillary recess to an opposing portion 82 on
the opposite side of the capillary recess), profile (for example,
flat, curved, pointed, or complex, such as terraced, waved, and the
like), and/or peripheral shape. Converse shapes for the receiving
structure of the melting plate (generally, capillary pedestals) for
the wick assembly are contemplated as well.
[0060] FIGS. 11A-11H illustrate several capillary recesses and
capillary pedestals of various shapes that can be utilized with the
various melting plates disclosed herein and variations thereof. For
purposes of brevity, a capillary recess will be discussed with the
understanding that complementary structure can be used for a
capillary pedestal (for example, a concave bottom surface versus a
convex top surface). Each of the capillary recesses 500 and 502 of
FIGS. 11A and 11B, respectively, has an oval-shaped periphery 92,
though the bottom surface 80 of FIG. 11A is flat, and the bottom
surface 80 of FIG. 11B is rounded or curved. Similarly, the
capillary recesses 504, 508, and 512 shown in FIGS. 11C, 11E, and
11G have flat bottom surfaces 80 and circular, square, and
triangular peripheries 92, respectively. Further, the capillary
recesses 506, 510, and 514 of FIGS. 11D, 11F, and 11H have rounded
or curved bottom surfaces 80 and circular, square, and triangular
peripheries 92, respectively. Other peripheral shapes (not shown)
for the capillary recesses contemplated herein may also be used,
such as symbols or irregular shapes depicting one or more
caricatures, provided that the complementary convex capillary base
for such capillary recess is adequately shaped to form a capillary
space, for example, between a bottom of the capillary recess and
the convex capillary base in question.
[0061] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate further embodiments of a melting
plate 18 having a capillary recess 104 with elevated side walls 34
divided by a furrow 606 that enables fluid communication between
the melting plate and the bottom surface 80 of the capillary
recess. In FIG. 12, the bottom surface 80 of the capillary recess
is elevated above a top surface 610 of a surrounding portion of the
melting plate 18, which leaves an unconsumed amount of fuel below
the bottom surface of the capillary recess 104 when the flame
extinguishes. A wick holder assembly, such as those shown in FIGS.
7-9, may be placed in the furrow 606, and the elevated side walls
34 help to secure the wick holder assembly to the melting plate 18
to reduce the chance of the wick holder assembly being disrupted
when the melting plate candle is jarred. The elevated side walls 34
in combination with the wick holder assembly provide a capillary
space (not shown) by which liquid fuel may be transferred to the
wick (not shown) in a manner similar to that already described.
[0062] FIGS. 13 and 14 show a variation of the capillary recess 104
shown in FIG. 12, in which the bottom surface 80 of the capillary
recess is depressed below the top surface 610 of a surrounding
portion of the melting plate 18 such that melted fuel on the
melting plate can be consumed. A pair of ridges 612 along an upper
inner peripheral portion of the side walls 34 engages onto or over
a convex capillary base (for example, see the convex capillary base
200 of FIG. 7) to hold the convex capillary base in an upright
position within the capillary recess 104.
[0063] In yet another embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 15A and 15B,
the wick holder assembly 700 preferably includes a peg 701 that
extends from the top of the underside of the capillary base 710 to
beyond a plane that is defined by the edge 707 thereof. The
proximal portion of the peg 701 relative to the capillary base is
located in a cavity that opens to the top side of a melting dish
(not shown), such that the aforementioned edge 707 rests on the
melting dish. The wick holder assembly includes one or more
attachment sites for one or more wicks (not shown), as desired; the
bottom of the wick(s) (not shown) are in contact with the
bottom-most portion of the top reservoir 702. Preferably, the wick
assembly also includes one or more heat fins (not shown), a top
reservoir 702, a bottom reservoir 703, and one or more capillary
channels 704. The capillary channels may be ridges carved into the
upper surface of the capillary base 710, or, in another embodiment,
may be hollow cylinders or other-shaped hollow conduits by which
melted fuel may flow to the upper reservoir.
[0064] Unmelted but meltable fuel is stored preferably in the
bottom reservoir 703. An amount of fuel (unmelted but meltable) is
also placed in the top reservoir 702. When the wick (not shown) is
lit and a flame 705 is disposed thereupon, there is enough
additional fuel present in the top reservoir for the flame to heat
the wick holder assembly. At least some of the fuel located in the
bottom reservoir then melts and flows out from under the edge 707
of the wick holder assembly 700, thus engaging the edge 707. In a
preferred embodiment, the wick holder assembly 700 includes
capillary channels 704, in which case the melted fuel engages one
end of the capillary channel. Accordingly, the melted fuel flows up
the wick assembly 700 by capillary action and collects in the top
reservoir 702. The melted fuel in the top reservoir contacts the
bottom portion of the wick, travels up the wick until it is
consumed by the flame 705.
[0065] Melted fuel that emerges from the edge 707 of the capillary
top can also flow back toward the peg 701. The peg 701, in one
embodiment, includes a hollow longitudinal bore that extends from
its distal end up to its proximal end where it connects to the
underside of the capillary base 710. Further, the capillary base
710 includes an aperture at or toward the base of the upper
reservoir 702 such that the hollow bore of the peg 701 is
continuous with the aperture of the capillary base top surface. The
distal portion of the peg 701 that extends beyond the plane defined
by the capillary base edge 707 is preferably seated in a capillary
recess (not shown), thereby forming a capillary space.
[0066] Operationally, the melted fuel flows toward the top of the
capillary recess where the inlet for the capillary space is. The
melted fuel then flows down the capillary space to the bottom
surface of the capillary recess at the point of the outlet from the
capillary space. The melted fuel can then do an about-face at the
bottom edge of the peg 701 and flow up the longitudinal bore of the
peg up to the upper reservoir. At the upper reservoir, the bottom
region of the wick is preferably in contact with the melted fuel
that transited through the peg bore, then up the wick to be
consumed by the flame.
[0067] The various melting plates and wick holder assemblies
described herein can also be used with other wick assemblies and
melting plates, respectively, such as those disclosed in U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/978,744, which is hereby
incorporated in its entirety by reference.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0068] In many embodiments, the candles disclosed herein may allow
a candle to completely consume a wax fuel charge while maintaining
the candle flame at the top of the wick holder, thereby maintaining
a pre-selected height above the bottom of the melting plate. The
candles may also rapidly form a large pool of melted wax or heated
liquified fuel that accelerates dispersion of volatile materials
contained in the fuel into the surrounding environment.
* * * * *